the_gneech (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
the_gneech) wrote2002-05-09 08:53 pm
the_gneech) wrote2002-05-09 08:53 pm
My Hovercraft Is Full of Eels
Alas, Carol is leaving Starbucks soon. Carol, besides being one of the solid, sane people at the store (which are all too few in number), is an immigrant from Japan, and so I've been plying her for information and coaching on the Japanese language. Between her and Cardcaptor Sakura, I can now wish somebody good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, thank them, call somebody a giant monster, and tell them to do their best. ;)
Ohayo!
Konnichi Wa!
Konban Wa!
Domo arigato!
Kaiju!
Gambate!
Actually, some of that I knew already. ;) Anyway, I've been trying to learn something from Japanese culture as of late, as typified by that word, "Gambate!"
Japanese culture imparts a strong moral value on doing good work -- not just showing up, as it were, but on trying to really do a good job on what you're doing. Our own culture does this to a certain extent, although it seems to be honored more in the breach than in the practice. How often do you hear, "people don't take pride in their work anymore," or similar laments?
I recently picked up How to Draw Manga: Getting Started, for no real reason other than the desire to broaden my horizons on the subject, and I came upon this phrase sorta tacked onto the bottom of a page in the classic disjointed manga style:
Well, it's certainly true, but there's something else that strikes me about it: this is a statement by, for, and about people who are serious about creating good work. Compare that to the sort of statements you often find in American "how to draw" books ... "It's easy! It's fun! You can do it!"
Those are two very different approaches. The Japanese style is definitely harsher and less friendly ... but on the other hand, it also implies a certain amount of respect. The American style is happy touchy-feely, but also reassuring, almost coddling. If something is not easy or fun, does that mean I can't do it?
The two styles, it seems to me, have two different goals. The American style seeks to overcome initial doubts and get you interested ... "C'mon, give it a try!" so to speak. The Japanese style, on the other hand, assumes that you've already started and are serious about wanting to improve. One builds confidence by mollifying fear; the other builds confidence by building ability.
Intellectually, I prefer the latter approach. But y'know, there are also times when I want to be coddled.
-The Gneech
Ohayo!
Konnichi Wa!
Konban Wa!
Domo arigato!
Kaiju!
Gambate!
Actually, some of that I knew already. ;) Anyway, I've been trying to learn something from Japanese culture as of late, as typified by that word, "Gambate!"
Japanese culture imparts a strong moral value on doing good work -- not just showing up, as it were, but on trying to really do a good job on what you're doing. Our own culture does this to a certain extent, although it seems to be honored more in the breach than in the practice. How often do you hear, "people don't take pride in their work anymore," or similar laments?
I recently picked up How to Draw Manga: Getting Started, for no real reason other than the desire to broaden my horizons on the subject, and I came upon this phrase sorta tacked onto the bottom of a page in the classic disjointed manga style:
"It's hard to admit your own mistakes. But you won't be able to improve as an artist unless you can confront and overcome your own weaknesses."
Well, it's certainly true, but there's something else that strikes me about it: this is a statement by, for, and about people who are serious about creating good work. Compare that to the sort of statements you often find in American "how to draw" books ... "It's easy! It's fun! You can do it!"
Those are two very different approaches. The Japanese style is definitely harsher and less friendly ... but on the other hand, it also implies a certain amount of respect. The American style is happy touchy-feely, but also reassuring, almost coddling. If something is not easy or fun, does that mean I can't do it?
The two styles, it seems to me, have two different goals. The American style seeks to overcome initial doubts and get you interested ... "C'mon, give it a try!" so to speak. The Japanese style, on the other hand, assumes that you've already started and are serious about wanting to improve. One builds confidence by mollifying fear; the other builds confidence by building ability.
Intellectually, I prefer the latter approach. But y'know, there are also times when I want to be coddled.
-The Gneech
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Of course. Few Westerners are likely to intentionally do things to themselves that "build character." If you're used to something, it quickly becomes an entitlement.
I cannot fault the people -- I am myself a "people" and struggle with the same failings.
But the system that produces this culture needs some tuning, in my estimation. The Japanese approach now has been tremendously Westernized from feudal times, say 1600 or so. As I understand it, their approach these days is a pretty good blend of Western coddling and Samurai bushido character attributes.
I've studied this culture for some time, but that's a long way from living it. So I can't really speak with authority. I do concur with your observations, for what that's worth.
===|==============/ Level Head
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I'll admit, trying to get the style to conform to furry-esque art isn't as easy with manga. But its a good book. Some of the others, on coloring, and layouts, and everything under the sky are interesting reads as well. Hopefully you'll enjoy the series, TG.
And you know what... all the american 'how to draw' books never worked with me. But the Draw Manga series really has me drawing a lot better than I used to. Not that it was great, but its better than a stick figure. ;) Oh well... just my two cents on the books.
--Rhan
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I was never very artistically inclined, but recent developments and a newly rekindled interest in drawing may very well get me motivated enough to pick up my pencil again.
But, then, that's what I say about my writing.
Peace;
- PunkTiger!
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Bob says to tell you he can say giant monster in Japanese too....
Godzilla! :)
Mur <-- is especially fond of Mothra...
P.S. My Aunt's sister in law taught me to say "small cat" in Chinese...but I wouldn't know how to write it...
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o/~
Gamera!
Gamera!
Gamera is really neat!
He is full of turtle meat!
We all love you,
GA-ME-RA!
o/~
-TG
Push the Button, Frank....
(phonetically spelled) "Kon-de-wah, Gen-ki-dey"
I've used it once or twice at Fur cons, with hillarious results!
Mothra!
But the little song that the two tiny girls did to invoke Mothra is playing in my head now.
Hello, Murrrmaiyd! You've triggered an interesting and pleasant memory.
On Gamera: The Gamera "fursuit" -- well, "monster suit" -- at FurtherConfusion was certainly well-done. It was more believable than the movie, I think. ;)
A Mothra suit would be unwieldy indeed. And would be called, perhaps, a "scale suit" as moths are covered in scales. The latest National Geographic has a really beautiful collection of moth photos -- easily the best I have ever seen. It's worth a look for you artisitic folk.
===|==============/ Level Hea
Re: Mothra!
A Batman uniform, for example, I'm not so sure about. I suspect that would still be a "costume."
Re: The Mothra faeries ... they strike me as being emblematic of a lot of elements of kaiju stories ... strangely beautiful, but totally whacked. :)
-The Gneech
Re: Mothra!
Zoot suit riot! (RIOT!)
Throw back a bottle of beer.
Zoot suit riot! (RIOT!)
Run a comb through your coal black hair.
Re: Mothra!
Hello, Murrrmaiyd! You've triggered an interesting and pleasant memory. >>
Hi! I managed to see Mothra last year, some saturday or another they were running 2 or 3 Godzilla-esque movies in a row, and Mothra was one of them. I like all of the ones Mothra is in, but especially the one just titled Mothra. (who am I kidding, I love the whole genre..Mothra's just my favorite.) From that point on, every time anyone says "Mothra", both my sweetie and I simultaneously break into the Mothra invoking song! :)
Then, on New Years day this year, Sci-Fi showed the best tv event ever...The Stompathon! :) 10 Godzilla movies in a row. Sadly, I missed taping the first one (Godzilla vs. King Kong) because I had to get some tapes, but I taped the other nine! It was great.
<< A Mothra suit would be unwieldy indeed. And would be called, perhaps, a "scale suit" as moths are covered in scales. >>
That must be why it's always raining glitter around Mothra...shed scales! :) Wow...what a suit that would be!
Murthra
Re: Mothra!
Are you aware of any sound clip of the Motha piece? I'd really enjoy seeing how close my creaky old memory is to the original.
===|==============/ Level Head
Re: Mothra!
Mur
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Re:
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